Since I was eight years old, one of my favorite songs has been Lee Greenwood’s, God Bless The USA.

Then I got to wear USA on the front of my jersey and heard the national anthem played for us, for our team, for our country.  And it changed something in my DNA.

Two years ago, we went to a concert in Provo, UT on the 4th.  Who played doesn’t really matter.  What I remember is 65,000 people standing for the national anthem, every single man taking off his hat, hands over hearts, every man woman and child singing The Star Spangled Banner.  I cried.  I’ll be honest.  I cried.  In an age when it can sometimes feel as though patriotism has become politically incorrect (!?!?) I cried.  I had found my people.  At least in the sense of being proud to be an American.

Happy 4th to everyone, Happy Independence Day.

God Bless The USA, Lee Greenwood (written by Gladness Beard Jennings, Lee Greenwood)

If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife

I’d thank my lucky stars to be livin’ here today

‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away

And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the USA

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee

Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA

Well, there’s pride in every American heart

And it’s time to stand and say that

I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today

‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the US